Child Protection Resources
The safety of our guests is our first priority. There are two modes of operation for us at Gilmont, and our child protection procedures differ according to whether a child is attending summer camp (see our Safety Page or coming to camp through a guest group that we are hosting. The primary difference is that when we are hosting guest groups, the church, school, or organization that is conducting the retreat is the primary party responsible for the adults that are in cabins with kids.
On this page, you will find information about measures that we at Gilmont take to ensure that no child is harmed at camp. You will also find our recommendations for groups using Gilmont. For groups whose stay at camp consists of three or more nights, these recommendations are part of our requirements for groups as part of our compliance with the Texas Department of State Health Services Rules for Youth Camps .
Gilmont’s Practices:
Safety is always our primary concern for all events at camp, to make sure we have policies and procedures in place to facilitate effective monitoring and supervision in order to protect campers from abuse and staff and volunteers from false allegations of abuse. Below is an overview of the steps we take to keep our campers safe at Camp.
Spotlighting:
Studies have shown that spotlighting is one of the biggest deterrents to potential predators. Throughout the application, interview and training process of our staff, we make it very clear that we are committed to keeping potential predators out of Gilmont and that Gilmont will not be an easy target. If you have ill intentions, you better go somewhere else! We're going to hunt you down and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law!
Screening Staff:
We believe that the best way to keep our campers safe is by keeping all potential abusers out of camp! Therefore, we are incredibly thorough in the screening of all our staff. Each application is carefully read and reviewed by two full time staff. Each applicant has a personal interview with either an assistant director or director. During the application and interview process, strategic questions are asked to help us identify red flag answers.
All applicants must have three references and then submit a Voluntary Disclosure statement. Thorough national background checks are performed on all full-time and seasonal staff employed by Gilmont every year.
Staff Training:
During staff training, we take the abuse prevention training and apply it to the Gilmont setting. We make sure our summer staff all know the signs of an abuser and their role and responsibility in keeping our campers safe.
Policies and Procedures:
Gilmont has policies and procedures in place to facilitate effective monitoring and supervision in order to protect campers from abuse and staff and volunteers from false allegations of abuse.
Reporting and Response:
Protocols are in place for all staff and campers to report suspected incidents.
Requirements for Guest Retreat Groups at Gilmont for at least 3 Nights (Highly recommended for all others supervising youth regardless of duration):
The safety of our guests is our first priority. There are two modes of operation for us at Gilmont, and our child protection procedures differ according to whether a child is attending summer camp (see our Safety Page or coming to camp through a guest group that we are hosting. The primary difference is that when we are hosting guest groups, the church, school, or organization that is conducting the retreat is the primary party responsible for the adults that are in cabins with kids.
On this page, you will find information about measures that we at Gilmont take to ensure that no child is harmed at camp. You will also find our recommendations for groups using Gilmont. For groups whose stay at camp consists of three or more nights, these recommendations are part of our requirements for groups as part of our compliance with the Texas Department of State Health Services Rules for Youth Camps .
Gilmont’s Practices:
Safety is always our primary concern for all events at camp, to make sure we have policies and procedures in place to facilitate effective monitoring and supervision in order to protect campers from abuse and staff and volunteers from false allegations of abuse. Below is an overview of the steps we take to keep our campers safe at Camp.
Spotlighting:
Studies have shown that spotlighting is one of the biggest deterrents to potential predators. Throughout the application, interview and training process of our staff, we make it very clear that we are committed to keeping potential predators out of Gilmont and that Gilmont will not be an easy target. If you have ill intentions, you better go somewhere else! We're going to hunt you down and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law!
Screening Staff:
We believe that the best way to keep our campers safe is by keeping all potential abusers out of camp! Therefore, we are incredibly thorough in the screening of all our staff. Each application is carefully read and reviewed by two full time staff. Each applicant has a personal interview with either an assistant director or director. During the application and interview process, strategic questions are asked to help us identify red flag answers.
All applicants must have three references and then submit a Voluntary Disclosure statement. Thorough national background checks are performed on all full-time and seasonal staff employed by Gilmont every year.
Staff Training:
During staff training, we take the abuse prevention training and apply it to the Gilmont setting. We make sure our summer staff all know the signs of an abuser and their role and responsibility in keeping our campers safe.
Policies and Procedures:
Gilmont has policies and procedures in place to facilitate effective monitoring and supervision in order to protect campers from abuse and staff and volunteers from false allegations of abuse.
Reporting and Response:
Protocols are in place for all staff and campers to report suspected incidents.
Requirements for Guest Retreat Groups at Gilmont for at least 3 Nights (Highly recommended for all others supervising youth regardless of duration):
- A complete and satisfactory background check of all adults in supervision of children must be completed and documented. Checks must be conducted annually and must include a minimum of a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.
- Groups must submit documentation that demonstrates that all adults in direct supervision of youth have completed a Texas state-approved training and examination program in child protection and abuse prevention within the previous 2 years.